THE occasion of the 5,000th flight of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is an important and poignant milestone.

This paper can recall the original fundraising campaign to set the lifesaving helicopter on its missions of mercy.

The support of the general public for that campaign revealed a depth of feeling that an air ambulance was not only desirable but would play a vital role in saving lives in the region.

Since the air ambulance was launched in 2007 it has saved hundreds of lives.

There are plans to further extend its services and upgrade the helicopter.

Yet the service costs a great deal to run, some £4,000 a day to keep the air ambulance in action.

There is still, then, much work to be done to support the service and keep raising funds for what is now accepted as a vital and integral part of our emergency services in Hampshire.

Well done Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, may your work continue.